Aston Villa still have plenty to think about with eight games remaining in this year’s iteration of the Championship.

One eye, however, is looking ahead to next season and the summer with Soccer Insider journalist Steven Goff reporting that Dean Smith’s side could be in line to face Major League Soccer outfit DC United.

The last time Villa played MLS opposition was back in 2014, beating FC Dallas during a pre-season tour of the United States - goals from Andreas Weimann and Charles N'Zogbia were enough to earn a 2-0 win.

It could see the Midlands side head to the states to take on Wayne Rooney and his teammates in what would be a showpiece friendly.

Nothing is set in stone as of yet, but it could well be an exhibition game that would catch the eye of many supporters.

Villa are currently sixth in the table after an impressive win over Middlesbrough last weekend and are the form team heading into the run-in.

The potential fixture with DC United could be a warm-up to a Premier League campaign if all goes well for Smith’s side between now and May.

The verdict

This could be a pretty high-profile match for Villa regardless of which division they are on.

Wayne Rooney’s side have started the MLS season well and it will fall during the middle of their season.

The fact they will be fit and ready and Villa will be at the start of their preparations means it will be a really good test for the Championship to gain fitness and prepare for the new season – whatever division they are in.